Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump formally notified Congress of resumed strikes on Iran — Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed strikes on Iran, claiming the Pentagon has another 60 days to conduct strikes before the timeline specified by the War Powers Act expires. This notification follows Trump's earlier claim that hostilities had ended on April 7 with a ceasefire declaration, despite continued military operations and the maintenance of a blockade on Iranian ports.
• Trump notifies Congress of resumed strikes on Iran — On July 13, 2026, President Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed military strikes against Iran, claiming that the Pentagon has another 60 days to conduct operations before needing congressional approval under the War Powers Act. This notification follows a pattern of circumventing congressional authority regarding military engagements.

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• Trump posted threats against Iran on social media — At 11:18 PM on Friday, Trump posted on social media that if Iran attempted to assassinate him, "Locked and Loaded" missiles would begin to rain down on the country "to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran—PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!" The post came after his anger over the Air Force One security reporting had shifted focus to Iran amid escalating tensions during his NATO summit visit to Türkiye.
• Trump posted threats of massive military strikes against Iran — Trump posted on Truth Social that "1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow" should Iran act on threats to assassinate him. Trump stated orders had been given and the U.S. military was ready to "completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran" for a one-year period subject to extension. The post came after reports that Israel shared intelligence with the US indicating Iran was planning to kill Trump.

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• Trump made incoherent statements confusing Iran with Japan and Zelensky with Putin — At the NATO summit, President Trump referred to Iran as the "Islamic Republic of Japan" and referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "President Putin." These statements were noted by multiple observers as evidence of incoherence and confusion during a period of active military conflict and diplomatic crisis.
• Trump falsely claims eight wars ended — At the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump claimed he should have won the Nobel Peace Prize, stating he had "settled 8" wars. Fact-checker Daniel Dale examined the list and found it included: a diplomatic dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia that was never a war; a mystery situation between Serbia and Kosovo that was not a war under Trump; the ongoing eastern Congo conflict that has not actually ended; the 12-day 2025 Israel-Iran war followed by renewed U.S.-Iran conflict in 2026; the Israel-Hamas war with continued Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire; an India-Pakistan ceasefire that India claims Trump had no role in; and the Armenia-Azerbaijan and Thailand-Cambodia agreements where parties credited Trump's involvement.
• Trump makes incoherent statement about Iranian missiles — During his final appearance at the NATO summit, Trump stated: "We had 11 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan." The statement appears to conflate Iran with Japan and contains no factual basis.
• Trump threatened war crimes and genocidal rhetoric against Iran at NATO summit in Ankara — At a NATO leaders summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026, President Trump threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure, including bridges, electrical grids, and desalination plants that supply drinking water to millions. Trump also referred to the Iranian people as "a cancer that needs to be eradicated in its early stages." The article characterizes these statements as genocidal rhetoric delivered by the U.S. President at an international military alliance summit. Trump also confused Iran with Japan, called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy "President Putin," and threatened Spain while discussing Greenland's sovereignty.
• Illinois Governor Pritzker publicly stated Trump is suffering from dementia — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker reposted Trump's reference to the "Islamic Republic of Japan" with a public comment stating: "Donald Trump is suffering from dementia. Someone needs to step in before it's too late." The statement was made in response to Trump's incoherent remarks at the NATO summit.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened war crimes and genocidal rhetoric against Iran at NATO summit in Ankara — At a NATO leaders summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026, President Trump threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure, including bridges, electrical grids, and desalination plants that supply drinking water to millions. Trump also referred to the Iranian people as "a cancer that needs to be eradicated in its early stages." The article characterizes these statements as genocidal rhetoric delivered by the U.S. President at an international military alliance summit. Trump also confused Iran with Japan, called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy "President Putin," and threatened Spain while discussing Greenland's sovereignty.

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• Trump criticized NATO at summit for not supporting Iran strikes — At a NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump told reporters he was "very disappointed with NATO" because member nations had not backed U.S. military strikes against Iran. Trump claimed the alliance had failed to reciprocate U.S. investment in European defense and suggested the U.S. could withdraw its military presence from Europe. He also stated his grievance with NATO originated over his demand that Greenland be controlled by the United States rather than Denmark.
• Trump criticized NATO allies and praised Putin and Erdogan at NATO summit opening — On the first day of the NATO summit, Trump expressed disappointment with NATO, questioned why the U.S. invests in the alliance, praised Turkish President Erdogan as a "great leader," and stated he had a "very good talk" with President Putin. Trump claimed he had "settled 8 wars" and dismissed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as not affecting the U.S. He also made false claims about Greenland being surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships and suggested removing U.S. soldiers from Europe.
• European officials expressed loss of confidence in U.S. reliability at NATO summit — European officials at the NATO summit reacted to Trump's announcement of new attacks on Iran and his contradictory statements by expressing that they can no longer rely on the United States. A European official stated that Europe must "build our own military might" to earn respect from Americans, Russians, Iranians, and Chinese. A German official stated: "Europeans don't take Trump seriously any longer."
• Trump expresses disappointment with NATO at summit — At a NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald J. Trump expressed his disappointment with NATO for not supporting the U.S. in its military actions against Iran. He criticized the alliance, claiming that the U.S. has invested trillions in NATO without receiving adequate support, and suggested that the U.S. could withdraw its military presence in Europe. Trump's remarks included a controversial stance on Greenland, asserting it should be controlled by the U.S. due to its strategic importance.
• Trump made inflammatory statements about Iran at NATO summit — At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, President Trump told reporters that Iranian leaders are "scum," "sick people," "vicious, violent people," and "cuckoo," declaring that negotiations with Iran are "over." Trump later appeared to walk back these statements, claiming the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz and that oil prices would stabilize quickly, statements contradicted by regional analysts and observers.
• MOU and Islamabad Agreement declared dead by both U.S. and Iran — The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the Islamabad Agreement were officially declared dead by both the United States and Iran on or around July 8, 2026. This collapse of diplomatic frameworks occurred amid escalating military tensions and the breakdown of ceasefire arrangements between the two nations.

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• Trump berated Republican senators over war powers resolution vote — President Trump confronted Senators Bill Cassidy and three other Republicans at a Capitol Hill lunch, berating them for voting in favor of a war powers resolution that symbolically rebuked the White House's handling of the Iran war. Cassidy described the encounter as heated, stating he "raised [his] volume to match" Trump's. The confrontation centered on Trump's failure to brief Congress on the prosecution of hostilities with Iran, which Cassidy argued violated constitutional requirements for legislative oversight of military operations.
• Senate passes War Powers Resolution on Iran; Trump accuses four Republicans of disloyalty — The Senate passed a War Powers Resolution regarding Iran by a vote of 50–48. President Trump responded by accusing four Republican senators of giving "aid and comfort" to Iran, using language that echoes constitutional definitions of treason and suggesting disloyalty within his own party for voting against his position on Iran policy.
• Senate blocked binding Iran war-powers resolution after presidential pressure — On Wednesday evening, June 25, the Senate blocked a separate, binding war-powers resolution led by Senator Tim Kaine from advancing, 50–47, after the president spent the day pressuring Republicans who had voted for the non-binding measure the previous day. Trump called Senator Cassidy a "lunatic" in a closed-door lunch; by evening Cassidy voted no and Rand Paul voted present, leaving only Collins and Murkowski in support.
• Senate Republicans reject Iran war powers resolution after Trump pressure and intimidation — Senate Republicans voted 47-50-1 late Wednesday to reject a war powers resolution challenging Trump's Iran war, hours after Trump berated GOP senators at a Capitol lunch. Four Republicans, including Bill Cassidy, had voted with Democrats the previous day to block the war; Trump called them "losers" and "lunatics." Cassidy was summoned to a White House briefing by VP Vance and envoy Witkoff, then returned to vote against the measure. Rand Paul switched to "present" to give Trump negotiating space. The Senate then recessed for two weeks.
• Senate passes war powers resolution prohibiting military action against Iran — The U.S. Senate passed a war powers resolution that prohibits President Trump from conducting further military action against Iran. Trump responded by posting that the vote was "poorly timed and meaningless" and accused four Republican senators of voting with Democrats, claiming they had provided "aid and comfort to the Enemy" and made his job more difficult. The resolution reflects congressional pushback against Trump's military campaign against Iran, which strategic scholars have characterized as strategically failed.
• Cassidy and Trump engage in heated Capitol confrontation over Iran war — Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana had a heated argument with President Trump at a Capitol lunch on Wednesday. The dispute arose after Trump questioned why anyone would vote for a war powers resolution that Cassidy had supported with Democrats the day prior. Cassidy, who lost his primary race after Trump endorsed a rival, stood up and demanded transparency about the Iran conflict, which Trump said would last four weeks but has stretched four months without achieving objectives. Trump raised his voice and referenced Cassidy's electoral defeat; Cassidy matched his tone before de-escalating.

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• Trump administration released $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets and granted access to $300 billion more — As part of the Iran agreement, the Trump administration released $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Vice President J.D. Vance told CBS that in addition to that $24 billion, Iran will also have access to $300 billion in funds for reconstruction. Trump claimed "no money will exchange hands," but the actual terms involve substantial financial transfers to Iran.
• New Air Force One jet from Qatar enters service — The new Air Force One aircraft, donated by Qatar, became operational. Trump previously stated he wanted to fly on it for the first time en route to Mt. Rushmore on July 3, but the timeline was accelerated. White House Communications Director Steve Cheung announced that Trump flew on the former Air Force One jet for the final time returning from the G7 summit.
• Trump announces use of Qatari government jet as Air Force One replacement — Trump gave a speech in front of a new Qatar Force One jet, which he announced he will use going forward and keep after leaving the White House. Trump stated he asked the Emir if he could use the brand new 747 that Qatar obtained, noting "a normal president wouldn't do that but our country has to be represented properly." He described redesigning the planes in the fleet with red, white, and blue colors to his taste and announced plans for a military flyover featuring F-22s, F-35s, and other aircraft. The bulletin notes this represents Trump's use of a foreign government's aircraft as a personal presidential conveyance.

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• Trump announced Iran deal and removal of naval blockade — Shortly before attending the UFC event on his birthday, Trump posted on social media announcing that "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete" and that he was "fully authorizing the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz" and "the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade." An hour later he posted that the deal would bring "Peace and Security to the whole Region." The agreement is scheduled to be signed in Geneva on Friday and appears to be a memorandum of understanding for a 60-day ceasefire, not a final agreement.
• Trump thanked Russia and China for help with Iran deal — In his remarks about the Iran memorandum of understanding, Trump publicly thanked Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's leader Xi Jinping for their help in negotiating the agreement. This public acknowledgment of foreign involvement in a major U.S. military and diplomatic outcome raised questions about the terms and U.S. interests in the deal.
• Trump signed Iran memorandum of understanding at Palace of Versailles — After initially suggesting Vice President J.D. Vance would sign the Iran MOU to allow Trump to claim credit if successful or blame Vance if it failed, Trump signed the memorandum himself at a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles on the evening of June 17, 2026. The signing reversed Trump's earlier public positioning that he would not attend a signing ceremony, stating the MOU was "not the kind of document that I should be signing."
• Trump administration read Iran memorandum of understanding text to reporters — A senior U.S. official read the text of a fourteen-point memorandum of understanding with Iran to reporters on June 17, 2026. The MOU calls the U.S.-Iran conflict "the current war," commits both nations to halt military operations on all fronts including Lebanon, requires the U.S. to terminate all sanctions against Iran and lift its blockade of Iranian ports, thaw frozen Iranian assets, and develop a $300 billion reconstruction plan. In exchange, Iran reaffirms it will not develop nuclear weapons—language identical to the 2015 JCPOA that Trump had withdrawn from in 2018. The agreement contains no verification mechanism; Trump stated fear of renewed bombing would ensure compliance. The war has cost thirteen U.S. service members' lives, injured 400 more, and cost at least $132 billion in immediate expenses and economic damage.
• Trump signed memorandum of understanding with Iran on Strait of Hormuz — On June 17, 2026, Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran that formalized Iran's power over the Strait of Hormuz. Former U.S. analysts and officials stated the agreement was dangerously vague and that Iran has interpreted its provision regarding "safe passage of commercial vessels" as granting Iran control of the waterway. Iran subsequently attacked ships attempting passage and declared closure of the strait "until the end of U.S. interference in the region."
• Trump administration releases interim Iran nuclear deal with significant concessions — On Wednesday, June 18, the Trump administration released the text of an interim memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to end a 110-day conflict. The 14-point accord includes significant political and financial concessions to Iran, including sanctions relief and a $300 billion fund, in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing economic collapse. The deal includes Iran's commitment to destroy its enriched uranium stockpile through down-blending. Both presidents signed the MOU, which gives the parties 60 days to negotiate a comprehensive final agreement.
• Trump signed memorandum of understanding with Iran at Palace of Versailles — President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran on June 18, 2026, at the Palace of Versailles. Vice President J.D. Vance claimed Iran's nuclear program has been destroyed and that benefits flow only upon behavioral change by Iranian leaders. However, the published agreement contains no such stipulation, and benefits including oil sales on international markets and sanctions lifting begin immediately. Trump posted in all caps on social media claiming the deal is a triumph.
• Trump administration signs preliminary US-Iran agreement to end war and reopen Strait of Hormuz — The Trump administration announced a preliminary agreement with Iran to end the ongoing war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Following this announcement, US gasoline prices fell below $4 per gallon for the first time since March, with the national average reaching $3.999. US Central Command lifted its blockade on maritime traffic in the strait. However, prices remain approximately $1 per gallon higher than before the February US-Israel attack on Iran, and experts warn that supply chain disruptions and elevated costs will persist for months.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting Iran Memorandum of Understanding — The White House published a fact sheet on June 19, 2026, announcing that President Trump and Vice President Vance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran. The document states the agreement ensures Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon, reopens the Strait of Hormuz to free navigation, and follows military operations described as "Operation Midnight Hammer" and "Operation Epic Fury." The fact sheet compiles statements from Republican lawmakers, former officials, commentators, and international leaders endorsing the agreement.

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• Trump announced imminent military strikes against Iran via social media — At 8:22 a.m., Trump posted on social media that the United States would strike Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT" and stated intentions to seize Kharg Island and control Iran's oil and gas markets. He later called Fox News to elaborate, comparing the planned action to the seizure of Venezuelan oil assets. The announcement preceded any congressional authorization, with the 60-day War Powers Act window having expired on May 1, 2026.
• Trump cancelled scheduled military strikes against Iran — Trump announced via social media that he had cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran scheduled for that evening. He stated that discussions with Iranian leadership had been brought to the highest level and approved by all parties, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. He stated the naval blockade would remain in effect until the transaction is finalized.
• Trump stated intent to seize Iranian oil infrastructure and control oil markets — During a Fox News call, Trump elaborated on his military plans, stating his preference to "take Kharg Island" and control Iran's oil and gas markets, comparing the operation to U.S. control of Venezuelan oil. He acknowledged uncertainty about American public appetite for ground troops but expressed determination to proceed with the seizure of strategic assets.
• Trump threatened ground invasion of Iran, then claimed deal reached without evidence — President Trump began June 11 threatening a "very hard" military strike on Iran and seizure of Kharg Island and oil infrastructure. He stated on Fox & Friends that the U.S. had dropped $250 million in bombs the previous night and that Iran was "in submission." Hours later, Trump posted on social media that he had cancelled scheduled strikes after "discussions" were "approved by all parties," naming the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. Israeli officials and Iranian state media both disputed that any agreement had been reached, with Iran's Tasnim news agency noting Trump had claimed 38 times in two months that an agreement was imminent.

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• Trump sent Iran revised framework with toughened negotiating terms — The Trump administration transmitted a revised negotiating framework to Iran with more stringent terms. Analysts assessed the move as strategically counterproductive, noting that Iran has already rejected less demanding terms and faces no pressure to accept harsher conditions while successfully defending against U.S. military strikes and shooting down American aircraft.

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• U.S. military conducted strike on boat in Eastern Pacific, killing three people — U.S. Southern Command announced that at the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the U.S. military conducted a strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people. This followed a strike the previous day that also killed three people, bringing the total number of people killed by the Trump administration's boat strikes to more than 200.

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• Trump demanded Arab nations sign Abraham Accords as precondition for Iran deal — During a Saturday conference call with Arab and Muslim nation leaders, President Trump demanded that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan normalize relations with Israel as a precondition for any Iran nuclear deal. Trump later posted publicly that these countries must sign the Abraham Accords, stating he was "mandatorily requesting" it and that countries refusing "should not be part of this Deal." The demand blindsided regional leaders, several of whom have no formal diplomatic relations with Israel.

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• Trump administration announces Iran memorandum, then reverses course after backlash from Netanyahu and Republican allies — The Trump administration announced a proposed memorandum with Iran involving release of $25 billion in frozen assets, lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, and deferral of nuclear negotiations. Iran's state media contradicted Trump's characterization, stating passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control and management. Netanyahu called Trump directly; Republican figures including Pompeo, Cruz, Graham, and Wicker publicly criticized the terms. Trump subsequently told ABC he "can't talk about the deal" and that the blockade remains in full force pending certification and signing.
• Trump administration negotiated Iran agreement — Trump announced via social media that an agreement with Iran had been "largely negotiated" following calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The deal reportedly included unfreezing Iranian funds, lifting the U.S. blockade, withdrawing U.S. forces, reopening the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian tolls, and allowing Iran to retain enriched uranium. Iran's state media immediately disputed Trump's claims, noting that American officials had told Iran that Trump's tweets are "primarily for promotional purposes" and should not be taken seriously.
• Trump Claims Progress on Iran Deal Amidst Controversy — President Trump announced via social media that a largely negotiated agreement with Iran is in the final stages, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and unfreezing Iranian funds. However, Iranian state media refuted Trump's claims, stating that they are primarily for U.S. media consumption. The deal has drawn criticism from Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who warned it could undermine U.S. military efforts in the region.

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• Trump threatened escalated bombing campaign against Iran — On social media, Trump posted a message stating that if Iran does not agree to U.S. demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz, "the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before." The post came amid shifting White House messaging about the Iran war, including Trump's abrupt cancellation of "Project Freedom" after initially having Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promote the operation.

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• Trump characterizes military blockade as "greatest military maneuver in history" and threatens Iranian ships — Trump told Fox News Channel's Trey Yingst that his military blockade of Iranian ports is the "greatest military maneuver in history." He also stated that if Iranians target U.S. ships, they will be "blown off the face of the earth." Trump later described the blockade to a group of small-business owners at the White House as a "mini war."

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• Trump issued 24-hour ultimatum to Iran and threatened imminent massive air strikes. — Trump declared to reporters that Iran had been given only 24 hours, after which "the world may witness one of the most devastating air strikes ever seen." On Truth Social, he claimed US forces had "shot down seven small Boats" and suggested South Korea should "join the mission." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other administration officials appeared on Fox to downplay the threat to oil prices and characterize Iranian leadership as "hunkered down in bunkers" and operating on false information.

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• Trump announced naval escort mission for ships in Strait of Hormuz, warning Iran against interference. — Trump posted on Truth Social announcing "Project Freedom," a mission to escort neutral ships out of the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday. He stated the US would guide ships safely through restricted waterways and warned that any interference with this "humanitarian process" would "have to be dealt with forcefully." The announcement framed the operation as assistance to countries uninvolved in the Middle Eastern dispute whose vessels are trapped due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
• Project Freedom collapses after Saudi and Kuwaiti blockade — Project Freedom, an apparent U.S. military initiative, collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked American military access. The blockade by key regional allies represents a significant diplomatic and strategic setback for the administration's Middle East posture.
• Trump announced and then abruptly halted "Project Freedom" military operation — Trump announced "Project Freedom" on social media as a way to break Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, surprising Gulf allies and angering leadership in Saudi Arabia. Top national security leaders spent much of Tuesday publicly briefing about the effort at the Pentagon and White House. Approximately 36 hours after the announcement, Trump abruptly halted the operation. The reversal came after Saudi Arabia suspended the U.S. military's ability to use Prince Sultan Airbase and Saudi airspace to carry out the operation. A call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince MBS did not resolve the issue. Other close Gulf allies, including Qatar, were also caught off guard by the announcement and had not been consulted beforehand.
• Project Freedom Collapses After Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Block U.S. Military Access — Project Freedom, a U.S. military initiative, has collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked U.S. military access. This development marks a significant setback for U.S. military strategy in the Middle East and reflects shifting alliances and regional dynamics.

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• Trump announced "Project Freedom" to escort merchant ships through Strait of Hormuz — President Trump announced that on Monday the U.S. will launch "Project Freedom," an effort to escort stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated that Project Freedom will include "guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members." Iran has stated that the use of U.S. Navy ships for escort would violate the ceasefire; it is unclear whether Navy ships will participate. Trump characterized the effort as "humanitarian," citing ships stuck from the strait's closure running low on supplies and facing sanitation problems, though the administration is clearly attempting to challenge Iran's control of the strait.

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• Trump administration claims War Powers Resolution compliance by declaring Iran war "terminated" despite ongoing blockade — The Trump administration argued on Friday that it did not require congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution at the 60-day mark because the war with Iran had "terminated" on April 7, despite the U.S. continuing to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports—an act of war. When asked how the war could be terminated while the military enforced the blockade, Trump told reporters it was a "very friendly blockade" that "nobody's even challenging." Senator Tammy Duckworth challenged the claim as false, noting that U.S. and Iranian ships were exchanging missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Secretary of State announces shift in military operations against Iran — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the military operation known as Epic Fury against Iran has concluded, transitioning to a new phase called Project Freedom, which aims to open the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the deadline set by the War Powers Act for congressional approval of military action.
• Secretary of State Rubio announced end of Operation Epic Fury and transition to Project Freedom — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign against Iran, is concluded and the administration is transitioning to Project Freedom, an effort to open the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came after the May 1 deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which required either congressional approval or withdrawal of troops within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action.
• Trump claims war has "terminated" to avoid War Powers Act compliance — The Trump administration insists the war with Iran has "terminated," a characterization that would exempt the president from the requirement under the 1973 War Powers Act to either withdraw troops or obtain congressional approval for continuing military actions. This claim is made despite ongoing military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz.

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• Trump claimed no prior president sought War Powers Act congressional approval — On May 1, 2026, President Trump told reporters that he did not need to seek congressional authorization to extend military operations against Iran because "it's never been sought before" and "nobody's ever asked for it before." Trump stated that "every other president considered it totally unconstitutional" and that the administration agreed with that interpretation. The claim contradicts historical practice; presidents before Trump have honored the 60-day War Powers Act requirement for congressional approval of military operations.
• Trump claimed War Powers Act 60-day clock terminated after ceasefire — On May 1, 2026, sixty days after notifying Congress of military action in Iran on March 2, Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley stating that hostilities that began on February 28 had "terminated" on April 7, when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. Although hostilities and a U.S. blockade of Iran continued, the administration maintained the ceasefire was in place until July 10, 2026.
• Trump notified Congress of claimed termination of Iran hostilities under War Powers Act — On May 1, 2026, President Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley claiming that hostilities with Iran that began on February 28 had terminated on April 7 when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. The letter asserted no exchange of fire had occurred since April 7, despite U.S. forces firing on an Iranian tanker on April 19 and continuing a blockade of Iranian ports. The administration stated it would continue building military presence in the region. This action occurred on the 60-day deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which requires presidential withdrawal of forces or congressional authorization by that date.
• White House asserted to Congress that Iran hostilities have terminated despite ongoing military presence — The White House sent a letter to Congress asserting that hostilities with Iran have "terminated" despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region. The assertion was made to circumvent a May 1 legal deadline for congressional approval to continue the war, which Trump began without congressional authorization two months prior.

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• Senate Majority Leader Thune declined to challenge Trump's War Powers Act interpretation — On May 1, 2026, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stated he would not challenge Trump's novel interpretation of the War Powers Act. Thune said Senate Republicans had given him no reason to do so. The article notes that Republicans have no interest in voting to support Trump's unpopular war but do not want to oppose Trump, leading them to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities regarding war authorization.

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• Trump declines to seek congressional authorization for Iran military operations — Trump has refused to seek congressional approval for military operations against Iran, claiming Iran posed an "imminent threat" under the War Powers Act. Trump's own intelligence agencies contradicted the imminent threat claim. The War Powers Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours and cease military action within 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes the specific military action. The 60-day window closes on May 1, 2026. Trump stated he has "all the time in the world" and told reporters not to rush him, comparing the conflict to Vietnam, Iraq, and World War II. Trump previously claimed in January that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional.

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• Trump orders Navy to shoot Iranian boats near Strait of Hormuz based on nonexistent minesweeping operation — President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot Iranian boats near the Strait of Hormuz, citing a minesweeping operation that does not exist. The order represents a direct military command based on a false premise, escalating tensions in a critical international waterway and potentially violating rules of engagement and international law governing naval operations in contested waters.

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• Trump issued 12-hour ultimatum to Iran without national security planning — According to Wall Street Journal reporting, on the Tuesday after Easter, Trump issued the most dramatic ultimatum of his presidency, stating that unless Iran struck a deal within 12 hours, "a whole civilization would die." Administration officials stated the post was improvisational and not part of a national security plan.

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• Trump threatens bombing campaign if no Iran deal by Wednesday — Trump told reporters that if there is no deal with Iran by Wednesday, the U.S. would "have to start dropping bombs again." Earlier, he had told reporters Iran "agreed to everything," which the source characterizes as "blatant lies."
• Trump Threatens to Destroy Iranian Infrastructure — Former President Trump threatened to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran, despite having declared the war over just 48 hours earlier. This statement adds to the volatility of the situation and raises concerns about potential escalations in conflict with Iran.
• Trump threatens to destroy all Iranian power plants and bridges if deal not reached — Trump posted that if Iran does not accept a "very fair and reasonable DEAL," the U.S. will "knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," declaring "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" UN Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the threat on ABC and CBS, characterizing power plants and bridges as "legitimate military targets" and rejecting characterizations of such destruction as war crimes.
• Trump threatened military strikes on Iran if deal not signed — President Trump told Fox News that if Iran does not sign a proposed deal, "the whole country is going to get blown up" and threatened to "take out their bridges and their power plants." The statement was made approximately five hours before Trump posted on Truth Social claiming he was in no hurry to complete a deal and was under no pressure to do so, creating a contradiction in messaging about the urgency and status of Iran negotiations.